On Sunday, June 8, the Fifth Avenue of New York City will be filled with Puerto Rican rhythm, pride and tradition during the 68th Puerto Rican Parade (NPRDP), which will begin at 11 am edt. Under the theme of 2025, “Planting Flag”, the celebration highlights how the Puerto Rican communities throughout the diaspora have thrown deep roots and have made significant contributions at local, national and global levels.
This traditional party of culture and Puerto Rican inheritance will pay tribute this year to the municipality of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, and the growing Puerto Rican community in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We are pleased to recognize the communities of Aguas Buena and Atlanta, and we hope to highlight them in our festivities this year,” said Lillian Rodríguez López, president of the Board of Directors of the NPRDP. “These communities are a faithful representation to our theme of 2025, planting flag, since each one has impacted and contributed uniquely and positively to society, enriching the cultural identity of our people.”
As part of the celebration, the parade will pay tribute to La Parranda, an endearing Puerto Rican Christmas tradition. In it, family and friends form groups to give “trullas” home at home, singing bonuses and sharing typical food. This tradition, which is now also celebrated in Puerto Rican communities in the United States and the world, represents the cheerful and community spirit of the Puerto Rican people.
Among the honoree of this year is the iconic singer Olga Tañón, six times winner of Grammy®, who will be the queen of the parade. Next to him will march the beloved film and television actor Luis Guzmán, who has been appointed king of the parade. Actress Gina Rodríguez, winner of the Golden Globe, will be recognized as a godmother, and the renowned merengue singer Elvis Crespo, winner of Grammy® and Latin Grammy®, will serve as a sponsor of the event. With unforgettable successes such as “gently” and “your smile”, Crespo has marked tropical music for more than two decades.
The Puerto Rican national parade, which will be broadcast on WABC Channel 7 at 12 noon (EDT) and online through ABC7ny.com and its television applications, is considered the largest celebration of inheritance and Puerto Rican achievements in the United States. An assistance of more than one million people is expected, making it one of the most significant cultural manifestations in the country.
The parade has its roots in the struggles and activism of the Puerto Rican community in New York in the 50s and continues to be a vital platform for cultural preservation, education and social awareness under the slogan “a people, many voices.”
For more details about the events of the Puerto Rican national parade, visit www.proparade.org.
